In the stories, teachings and songs , where the wind whispers secrets of our ancestors, I found myself connected to the earth, to my history, and to my people. My  culture is a tapestry of stories, woven from the threads of our ancestors' wisdom, our nation's resilience, and love. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore the endogenous  teachings of Basotho culture, to unravel the mysteries of my  traditions, and to celebrate the beauty of my traditions. From the ancient practices of my ancestors to the modern expressions of my youth, we delve into the complexities and nuances of our culture.

For my culture family is paramount . The phrase "Leroa le fa" or "Home is where you find peace" is often used to emphasize the importance of family. This teaching has shaped my worldview in different  ways. For instance, it has taught me to prioritize family above all else, including personal goals and ambitions. Which I conflicted with because the very same family could be what's destroying or holding you back person so even though I respect this, I feel like there should be limitations to it in order for everyone to come out with the same satisfaction. However I'm grateful for this because it has brought my family together. 

Another endogenous teaching that has influenced the  my life as a women is the importance of respectability. Women are expected to maintain a high level of respectability and decorum in their behavior, dress, and speech. This teaching has shaped the worldview of women by emphasizing the importance of modesty and dignity as well as the tenderness that is then expected from women. Hence, they are expected to avoid behaviors that may be considered immodest or dishonorable. Which I found hard as a masculine lesbian because I'm not as girly, soft spoken, quiet or anything that was expected of me  but I'm glad I got experience this so that I was able to learn to embrace my feminine side. 

Moreover, I have come to realize that my own biases and prejudices are not always objective or neutral because sometimes  influences  by my cultural heritage and upbringing come to play . However, it is important for me to recognize that these influences can also shape my worldview in ways that may be limiting or narrow-minded in terms of sexuality , other cultural practices etc. but broaden my perspective and become more culturally aware, I've engaged with different cultures and perspectives more openly and honestly and also made an effort to critically reflect on my own biases and prejudices, acknowledging both the strengths and limitations of my own cultural heritage.

Embracing life's colors as a poet, student, and lesbian daughter, has allowed me to navigate through various networks of kinship and exchange on a daily basis. Not only do they help shape my identity but also play a crucial role in influencing the exchanges that take place within them.

In my role as a poet, I am part of a creative community that fosters artistic expression and collaboration- Jaded words and Usiba Lwabalobi . Through these network, I get exchange ideas, feedback, and inspiration with fellow poets, writers, and artists. We support each other's work, attend poetry readings together. In this, I get to participate in workshops and events that aim to showcase creativity hand in hand with my mentor - Jade Novelist.

As a student, I am part of an academic network that includes my peers, professors, and mentors. In this network, I exchange knowledge, experiences, and insights that help me grow and learn. I engage in discussions, group projects, and academic activities that challenge my thinking and broaden my perspectives. My relationships with my peers has allowed me to grow as well as understand different ways of perceiving certain things as well as showed me how one really needs to have a network n order to embark on this journey called life.

As a lesbian daughter, I am part of a familial network that includes my parents, siblings, and extended family members. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, I have faced challenges and struggles being accepted for who I am. However, through open communication, mutual respect, and understanding, I have been able to cultivate a supportive and loving relationship with my family. We exchange love, acceptance, and empathy, and strive to create a safe and inclusive space where I can be my authentic self.

In these networks lies the uniqueness and important aspects that play role in shaping my identity, for as a poet, I find inspiration and creativity in my artistic community, as a student, I gain knowledge and growth in my academic network and as a lesbian I attain love and acceptance in my familial network as well as the ability to help those who arent fully accepted creating meaningful connections that feed my soul.And in this , I realized the importance of building and nurturing meaningful relationships with the people around me because they enable me to exchange ideas, experiences, and emotions that enrich my life and contribute to my personal growth.

In conclusion, I am grateful for the connections I have made and the exchanges, for they continue to help shape me into the person I am today and continue to inspire me to embrace my true self and express myself authentically in all aspects of my life. Heres to more meaningful connections and obligations that hopefully won't lead me astray but to greater heights as they teach me commitment, honesty and trust. Showering me with wise words , skills and possible opportunities that may open big doors in the future for me and those within my networks.

As I reflect on my experiences and social interactions, I am reminded of the intricate dance of life that we all partake in. Each interaction, each relationship, each moment of connection adds a new layer to the rich tapestry of our existence.One concept that has particularly resonated with me is Van Gennep's theory of rites of passage. This theory proposes that human life transitions can be understood in terms of three key phases: separation, liminality, and incorporation.

Having to leave home and start a life on my own felt like leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown. Exhilarating yet daunting, but through adaptation came the intriguing and transformative stage of the rite of passage. And in time ,I have found myself in this liminal space during periods of self-discovery and personal growth- shedding old beliefs and embracing new perspectives, of questioning assumptions and redefining my outlook on life through social interactions and literature, giving me a sense of belonging.

Stepping into a new chapter of my life with clarity and purpose. Understanding that

experiences and social interactions have been shaped by the principles of rites of passage. From the initial separation from the familiar, to the transformative liminality phase, to the eventual incorporation into a new identity- me as a university student.

 And as I continue to navigate the complexities of life, I am grateful for the wisdom and insights that these rites of passage have provided me.

A canvas of beautiful shade my skin is, yet seen in the lies of inferiority that stains my worth and identity. The intensity of melanin continues to be mystery for I failed to see beauty in the colors I stem and the depth of its story due the images that instilled in my mind from birth. Objectified and reduced to a "single story", for I am and as portrayed as a lesser man in the books that I read and in the way I am taught. Stripped of glory and subjected to exoticism due to the rainbow colored beads, the patterned cloths, the texture of my hair and the shade of my skin.

Limiting my view and urging me to deem my light because of the indifference to the difference I spread. Planting the seeds of my lack of confidence and negative thought patterns and beliefs that hold me back from unlocking my full potential. However, in the absence of time, it became evident to me of how I was also a problem to other countries due to my lack of awareness,  understanding because of the stereotypes, ethnocentrism as well as the internalized eugenics. I defined ethnic groups by what heard or what I watched, forgetting that was also someone's idea or perspective of how they viewed that specific ethnic group- clearly showing the dangers of a single story. 

Did it not only give me a sense of realization but urged me to "change my channel" of thought by increasing my knowledge , recognizing negative thought patterns while changing my view on the world and who I am.  Surrounding myself with positivity , taking inspired action as well as practicing gratitude in order to not to improve who I am but to be part of the change I long for.